Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe – Garlic Chili Glaze

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe – Garlic Chili Glaze

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you love a good plate of crispy, flavorful chicken wings. And honestly, nothing beats the convenience of making them at home, especially when you can skip the deep frying mess! I first made these air fryer wings when I was craving that takeout flavor but wanted a slightly healthier (and quicker!) option. Let me tell you, they did not disappoint. This recipe delivers seriously crispy wings with a sticky, sweet, and spicy garlic chili glaze that’s absolutely addictive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t just any chicken wings. They’re incredibly crispy thanks to a little corn starch magic, and the glaze is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. Plus, the air fryer makes them so much easier and faster to make than traditional fried wings. Seriously, who doesn’t love that? They’re perfect for a weeknight treat, a game day snack, or even a festive gathering.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing wings:

• 1 pound chicken wings
• 3 Tbsp corn starch
• ¼ tsp salt
• Spray oil
• 1 Tbsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 Tbsp ketchup
• 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce
• ¼ cup water
• 0.5 Tbsp corn starch
• 0.5 Tbsp chili paste
• Scallions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 0.5 Tbsp oil

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few things make this recipe extra special:

• Corn Starch: Don’t skip this! It’s the secret to getting those super crispy wings. It helps draw out moisture and creates a beautiful, crunchy coating.
• Rice Vinegar & Soy Sauce: The combination of rice vinegar and soy sauce in the glaze is key. The rice vinegar adds a lovely tanginess that balances the sweetness of the ketchup and the saltiness of the soy sauce.
• Chili Paste: This is where you can really customize things. I use about ½ a tablespoon for a nice kick, but feel free to adjust it to your liking. A little goes a long way! You can use Gochujang, Sambal Oelek, or any chili paste you prefer.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, pat those chicken wings really dry with paper towels. This is super important for getting them crispy.
2. In a bowl, mix together the corn starch and salt. Toss the wings in the mixture until they’re evenly coated.
3. Lightly spray your air fryer basket and the wings with oil. This helps with crisping and prevents sticking.
4. Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
5. While the wings are cooking, let’s make the glaze. In a pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté until fragrant and golden – about a minute.
6. Add the ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and chili paste to the pan.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the water and corn starch to create a slurry. Add this to the pan and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
8. Once the wings are cooked, toss them in the glaze until they’re fully coated.
9. Return the glazed wings to the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the glaze and make it extra sticky.
10. Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds before serving.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Work in batches if necessary to ensure the wings cook evenly and get crispy.
• Preheat your air fryer: This helps ensure the wings start cooking immediately and get that perfect crisp.
• For extra crispy wings: After tossing in the sauce, a quick second air fry really seals the deal!

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to spice things up:

• Spice Level:
  • Mild: Reduce the chili paste to ¼ tbsp or omit it altogether.
  • Medium: Stick with the ½ tbsp chili paste.
  • Hot: Add up to 1 tbsp chili paste, or a pinch of cayenne pepper. My friend, Priya, loves to add a dash of ghost pepper powder – but be warned, it’s seriously spicy!
• Festival Adaptations:
  • Game Day: Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing and celery sticks.
  • Diwali Snacks: These wings are a fun and unexpected addition to a Diwali spread!
• Gluten-Free Option: Simply use gluten-free soy sauce.

Serving Suggestions

These wings are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ideas for serving:

• With a side of fluffy basmati rice.
• Alongside a fresh cucumber and tomato salad (kachumber).
• Served with a cooling raita dip.

Storage Instructions

Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore some of the crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I make these wings without an air fryer?

Yes, you can! You can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as air-fried wings, but they’ll still be delicious.

2. What’s the best way to adjust the spice level of the glaze?

Start with a small amount of chili paste and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t easily take it away!

3. How can I get the wings extra crispy?

Patting the wings completely dry before coating them in corn starch is crucial. Also, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.

4. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using.

5. What are some good dipping sauces to serve with these wings?

Ranch, blue cheese, or even a simple yogurt dip with a squeeze of lemon juice are all great options.

Enjoy! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. Let me know in the comments how they turn out for you!